Halitosis or Bad Breath is an unpleasant odour of the mouth. Halitosis diminishes your self-confidence and is an embarrassing condition.

Cause:- It is caused by poor mouth hygiene, extensive tooth decay, gum disease, excessive smoking or improper diet.

Treatment:- Mouthwashes and rinses keep your breath only for short durations and do not provide a permanent solution. It is advisable that a dentist attends on you immediately. Any manufactured, chemically based mouth washes and rinses may be used only after consulting your dentist.

Some safe, excellent mouth washes and rinses:-

* To a glass of water, add the juice of a lemon and use as a rinse

* Chew a couple of cloves

* Gargle with mint juice

* Chew on a fresh orange peel for half an hour

* A little tamarind combined with salt cleans your tongue and reduces bad breath

* Mix equal quantities of vinegar and water and use as a rinse

* Gargle with rose water or the juice of rose petals

Prevention:- Proper oral hygiene including regular brushing with dental floss is the only way to prevent Halitosis.

Diet:- A varied diet of fresh fruits, Green Leafy Vegetables, Whole grain bread and meat will provide your teeth and gums with vitamins and minerals essential for dental health.

Treat yourself with juicy Pears, Apples, Carrots and Strawberries at the end of your meal. Vitamin 'A' is necessary for overall health of gums and teeth. Cut down on diets that are high in sugary contents. Remember to drink a glass of milk before brushing at night.